Sympathetic Nerve Issues: Solutions for Hand Pain and Numbness

Q: Sympathetic Nerve Issues: Solutions for Hand Pain and Numbness

Hello： If you are experiencing symptoms of numbness, it may indicate nerve injury, which can lead to issues of numbness and pain. <br>The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system and regulates certain reflexes, such as sweating and pupil response. <br>

Numbness in the hands?

I was involved in a car accident last March, which resulted in injuries to my right wrist and elbow.
I consulted both orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists, but my symptoms have shown limited improvement.
In recent months, I have experienced numbness on both sides of my wrist at night while sleeping, along with inner elbow pain.
In the morning, both sides of my wrist and the inner side of my elbow hurt, but there is no numbness.
Previously, I did not experience any numbness.
The orthopedic doctor diagnosed a ligament issue, while the rehabilitation doctor diagnosed soft tissue inflammation.
I underwent rehabilitation treatment for several months and used a wrist brace, but I still experience pain.
There is pain when I rotate my hand, and there is a significant loss of strength in my hand.
The doctor recommended that I go to a major hospital for further orthopedic evaluation due to concerns about potential pathological changes.
However, after an X-ray at the orthopedic department, they found no issues with the bones and did not conduct any further tests, attributing my symptoms to a sympathetic nerve problem.
I was prescribed pain relievers and medication for chronic pain (tricyclic antidepressants) and advised to use a soft grip strength ball daily to train my hand strength.
Despite this, my condition remains unchanged.

What is the sympathetic nerve? What methods can be used to address the pain and numbness in my hand?

kiki, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/11/10

Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery

Hello: If you are experiencing symptoms of numbness, it may indicate nerve injury, which can lead to issues of numbness and pain.
The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system and regulates certain reflexes, such as sweating and pupil response.
Some of the numbness and pain may also be related to this.
It is advisable to consult a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
An electromyography (EMG) may be necessary, but since I cannot provide a personal examination, this should be considered as a reference.
Sincerely, Dr.
Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.

Reply Date: 2004/11/10

More Info

Understanding sympathetic nerve issues and their relation to hand pain and numbness can be quite complex, especially in the context of previous injuries. Your symptoms, including numbness and pain in the wrist and elbow, suggest that there may be underlying nerve involvement, possibly related to the sympathetic nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and the fight-or-flight response. It plays a role in the sensation of pain and can influence how we perceive discomfort. When there is an injury, such as from your car accident, the sympathetic nervous system may become overactive, leading to heightened pain perception and other symptoms.

Given your history of wrist and elbow injuries, it is possible that you are experiencing a condition known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which can occur after an injury and is characterized by prolonged pain and changes in sensation. Additionally, your symptoms could be indicative of ulnar nerve entrapment, particularly since you mentioned pain and numbness in the areas supplied by the ulnar nerve (the little finger and half of the ring finger).

Here are some potential solutions and considerations for managing your symptoms:
1. Physical Therapy: Since you have already undergone rehabilitation, it may be beneficial to revisit a physical therapist who specializes in hand therapy. They can provide targeted exercises to improve strength and flexibility in your wrist and hand, which may alleviate some of the pain and numbness.

2. Ergonomic Adjustments: Evaluate your daily activities, especially those involving repetitive wrist and hand movements. Ergonomic adjustments to your workspace, such as using a wrist rest while typing or adjusting the height of your chair, can help reduce strain on your wrists.

3. Pain Management: The medications prescribed, including tricyclic antidepressants, are often used for chronic pain management. If these are not effective, discussing alternative pain management strategies with your physician may be beneficial. Options may include nerve blocks, corticosteroid injections, or even newer treatments like neuromodulation techniques.

4. Nerve Conduction Studies: If you have not already undergone nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG), these tests can provide valuable information about the function of your nerves and help identify any potential nerve damage or entrapment.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating regular stretching and strengthening exercises for your hands and wrists can help improve circulation and reduce stiffness. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may support overall nerve health.

6. Consultation with a Specialist: If your symptoms persist despite conservative management, seeking a consultation with a neurologist or a pain specialist may provide further insights. They can evaluate for conditions like CRPS or other neuropathies that may not have been previously considered.

7. Mind-Body Techniques: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate pain perception. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage the psychological aspects of chronic pain.

In conclusion, while sympathetic nerve issues can complicate the management of hand pain and numbness, a multidisciplinary approach that includes physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments, pain management strategies, and possibly further diagnostic testing can help address your symptoms. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers to tailor a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Hand Numbness: Sympathetic vs. Nerve Compression Issues

Hello Doctor, I have visited you before and was diagnosed with abnormalities in the parasympathetic nervous system. Currently, I am taking Fluxel and related vitamins. I went back to the rehabilitation department where I was previously diagnosed with cervical spine issues, and af...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Mr. Sheng, You mentioned that "the numbness in your right thumb and index finger has not improved," which may indicate the need to consider compression of the median nerve rather than an issue with the autonomic nervous system. The median nerve is responsible for ...

Understanding Nerve Sensations: Addressing Tingling and Discomfort

Hello Doctor: I often feel soreness and numbness in my neck and hip joints, as well as a tingling sensation in various joint areas, such as the inner elbows, popliteal fossa, thenar, second joint of the middle finger, and the dorsum of the foot. Specifically, in my palms, around ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello Ms. QQ, You mentioned that "many joint areas feel itchy and numb." Your symptoms may suggest typical signs of neuropathy: numbness, tingling, and symptoms related to peripheral nerve compression. 1. The nature of the pain may include burning and electric sensat...

Relieving Hand Numbness and Arm Pain: Causes and Solutions

Hello, I have recently been experiencing numbness in my palms and pain in my arms (without numbness or pain in my shoulders or neck). Sometimes the numbness in my hands is so severe that I have difficulty applying force, and I even struggle to turn the handlebars of my motorcycle...

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Huang, the potential lesions related to your described issues could range from the cervical nerves to the more peripheral median nerve. It is advisable for you to visit a neurology outpatient clinic for further examination.

Managing Peripheral Nerve Issues: Tips for Self-Improvement and Care

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: My mother has been experiencing hand numbness and reduced sensation due to years of overwork. I'm not sure which specialist she should see for treatment. What are some self-improvement methods she can try? Also, is there a hereditary aspec...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Overuse of the hands commonly leads to carpal tunnel syndrome. As long as the hospital has a neurology department, nerve conduction studies can be performed. After the tests, it can be determined whether the hand numbness is solely due to carpal tunnel syndrome or if it is caused...